How Saxophone Reeds are Made

[@Mike-zb4ds]

The quality of these videos is unreal. Awesome job and thanks for the great videos!

[@bettersax]

Thank You!

[@tedrhoads366]

@@bettersax I LOVE Rigotti Reeds, always been my favorite, LOVE you did this tour, BIG thanks Jay.

[@MauriatOttolink]

pec1215 Well said...Here! Here! Thanks for the great videos!

[@MrButternutsprinkles]

I was a sax player for years in school. I probably tossed out dozens of used and broken reeds without thinking twice about how they were made. Now I'll almost feel bad throwing away any of them at all! This is an amazing video. I have a whole new appreciation for the reeds sitting quietly on my counter, waiting to be played. Thank you.

[@Blackdawn80]

As a Tenor Sax and Clarinet player I can certainly appreciate this video, even today in 2021.

[@hotman8799]

feels like a documentary. great quality! Wayyyy underrated

[@anthonydeguara9783]

I won't feel so bad about paying for these in the future. Really appreciate the effort you went to, to make this video. I have read about the process but the video brings it all home. Thanks for this and your many other free videos. They all contribute to making me a better sax player.

[@kessokujason]

Saxophone players: why are reeds so expensive??? Double reed players: am I a joke to you?

[@caidencuevas8775]

I clicked on this video just for this comment.

[@domsel-6109]

Derio Caido haha yes me to

[@JewelBlueIbanez]

As did I. Even crappy store bought mass-produced oboe reeds are expensive.

[@caidencuevas8775]

@@JewelBlueIbanez For some reason, band directors just love Jones reeds and makes me upset! 😖

[@marksegall9766]

DOUBLE reeds are more than double the price.

[@alexg.5850]

Bassoon and Oboe players must be angrily laughing right now.

[@brookehagner681]

I was actually about to make a comment on how sax reeds are cheap compared to bassoon reeds.

[@samfleming998]

Brooke Hagner, same

[@SriSri.G]

IKR OBOE REEDS SO EXPENSIVE

[@gracielangford9489]

We are

[@isaacrios6179]

I was about to comment this

[@cyk9724]

this isn't a video. *it's a documentary.* you were my inspiration to start playing saxophone, keep it up!

[@professorsc213]

It's absolutely amazing! The average person does not realize how labor intensive so many aspects of music comprise. The hours of work done by the musician and by those such as the Reed makers remains a mystery to a lot of non musicians and some musicians. Thank you so much for posting this video. I will recommend this to my students.

[@troykurek]

Unbelievable how complex the process is, and the machinery. I figured they were farmed, stored and aged in a warehouse, and then processed in a factory, but there's so much more involved. Can only imagine how surreal the tour experience must have been.

[@thomaswalz3515]

I'm a guitarist... but always wondered how reeds were made... now I know. Great job! Thanks!

[@Pete-z6e]

Thomas Walz , banjo picker, same.

[@palewriter1856]

No, they don't double as picks

[@robertcotrell9810]

@johnny102marvin As a flute player, considering the variability of reeds is horrifying to me!

[@medsimvallejo]

WoW!!! Fantastic video!!! We now have 3 generations of saxophone players in my family and I can assure you, they will all see this video... Thank you. Put this on "How it's made"; The people will love it!!!

[@meatsupplies5282]

So can they just send me all the reeds that are about to be composted?

[@floridaguy1955]

I was thinkin' the same thing.

[@HCL991]

They could, but that would require them to pack them up and send them to you. Also that would mean that there are imperfect reeds out with customers that don't match their quality standards. So, I assume the company benefits from reusing those reeds as opposed to sending out to customers that will not get reeds as expected.

[@meatsupplies5282]

HCL991 I wouldnt take them as a customer because it would be free, they dont even have to pack them professionally

[@bobsalbertasaxophone6916]

They could sell boxes of 25 where 6 work good or sell you a box of 5 where hopefully 5 work and 2 or 3 will be really good

[@northernbohemianrealist]

I am a pipe smoker. We don't pay just for the pipe; we pay for the four that failed before the carver got to this one.

[@vtieto]

This was a really nice video. It was about Rigotti reeds in particular, but should be interesting to anyone curious about how reeds are made. It did serve its purpose of making me appreciate all the work that goes into each reed which contributes to its cost. The video has very high production values and held my interest. UPDATE July 2023: A friend of mine sent me a box of Rigotti Gold's a couple of years ago and they're now my reed of choice. Each reed I've pulled out of the box has become a "player" so yes, they're a little pricey, but if you score 10 of 10 you might actually save money over a cheaper but less consistent brand. I'll definitely be buying these in the future. Thanks again for the terrific video--I've ended up watching it a few times a years since it was published!

[@bettersax]

Thanks Vinnie

[@gradymasonii6960]

Thank you for putting a new face to the world of Saxophones. It's people like you that keep young and aged players interested. I had my first "gig" last saturday and put myself to the ultamate test not playing saxophone in 11 years. I jumped WAY out of my comfort zone. With a months notice and a chinese saxophone, I played 4 popular songs (with solos) using your crash course and motivating down-to-earth way of just talking about saxophones. In the end, I had people asking me for my business card. Laughing as I'm typing, my Girlfriend knows you now as my best friend, and to be honest, In June, YOU WERE! Thanks a lot and Greetings from an American in Germany! -Grady Mason II (P.S. My Chinese mouthpiece and ligature are being replaced by a Yamaha 5c + Rovner 1RL tomorow thanks to Amazon)

[@directcurrent5751]

Did you wear the white gloves? I just salvaged $199 tenor with Yamaha 5C and Rico 2.5 upgrades.

[@SarahSkilton]

I have played Sax and now Clarinet for over 10 years. I have never considered the process to making my reeds. This was captivating thank you for a fabulous lesson in reeds.

[@johnbrooks5705]

Fascinating and tells me the process is much more complicated than I expected.

[@markbenassi9896]

I own a music store and just recently discovered your videos. Wow, are they informative. My customers thank you.

[@bettersax]

Thanks. I know there is almost no profit from selling reeds as well.

[@WJdad]

Hey Jay! I just purchased a box of tenor sax reeds, 2.5 from The Boston Sax Shop. I have yet to play them, so I don’t know about the quality. But bought them based on your video in which all 5 were excellent. Thanks for the tour. Super fascinating and I am truly amazed at the time and effort required to create these delicate masterpieces.

[@museumofsong]

Like many viewers, I tend to take KZbin content a bit for granted. I grunt at the adverts and skip introductions. This video was just great, though. Made me sit up and think about what it takes to produce something like this. And, since I spend a lot of my time on the Riviera and have always wondered whether I could make decent reeds out of the cane that grows everywhere, I'll definitely leave it to the professionals-and maybe visit the factory. Thanks.

[@PPYTAO]

I have no idea why this video was recommended, but I watched the whole thing. That company is truly inspiring, I love seeing the product be the main focus of a business.

[@bryandickerson5365]

This was really, really awesome! Finally, I get to see what I almost got to see 12 years ago. I’ve been a loyal Rigotti user (Tenor) for at least 20 years and contacted them when I traveled to Italy. In spite of their warm invite I was, unfortunately, unable to make it to their facility. This wonderful video unlocks the mysteries! Rigotti is one of the few reed producers that is still independent so fewer middle men take their share from the actual grower/producers. It’s kinda like getting your food at the farmer’s market rather than from a giant grocery store. And grown organically with compost to boot - extremely cool and worth every penny!

[@jaek_898]

People: so are you American or French? Jay: Yes.

[@Jorvaskrr]

Californian......

[@bettersax]

Born in USA but live in France for many years.

[@HonestSaxSound-unEdited-]

Francoamericaine..

[@harveymushman2219]

@@bettersax I got lost in the Brittany area last year for about 3 months...the rain never stopped...

[@ldever3]

He’s a musician. I have never found a group of people with more oddities and quirks than musicians.

[@directcurrent5751]

Thanks!

[@Trevayne4]

I’ve seen numerous videos on reed making but this by far is my favorite and certainly the one I learned the most from. Was already a fan of their reeds.

[@RoughriderUT]

More videos about manufacturing specialty items like this need to be made. A lot of people don't know or understand how long or labour intensive a simple item as a music reed is to produce. Excellent video, keep up the great work.

[@Foodgeek]

I've really stopped using cane reeds for my tenor, but for my alto's I use Vandoren ZZ 2½'s. In a box of 10's, one's maybe awesome, 4-5 are fine and the rest I need to file down on this little glass based file that can actually do wonders :)

[@neatopapito8260]

What file is it? I'm looking into getting one

[@Foodgeek]

@@neatopapito8260 It's Vandoren: www.amazon.com/Vandoren-Glass-Reed-Resurfacer-Stick/dp/B0002CZRJ0

[@phill3583]

I come home from a days work to find this video waiting for me. I always wondered, but never researched how these things were made. Job well done Mr better sax! Your efforts are appreciated. Amazing content. Thank you from Long Island.

[@Naomi-rf1bl]

honestly this looks like one of those netflix sponsored exotic foods documentaries and I'm living for it

[@hubertvancalenbergh9022]

I recently inherited a soprano and tenor from my dad and am becoming more and more fascinated. Thanks for your delightful explorations! 🎵🎷

[@philipTOMPSETT]

What a fantastic Video. Whenever I visit a factory I'm always surprised how lucky we are that things are so cheap. A hell of a lot of work goes into making stuff and this is a perfect example. Box on order. PS I know that videos take a hell of a lot of time and equipment to make too (plus travel / subsistence costs) so thanks for an excellent job.

[@arip9234]

Top of the line tutorial. The true definition of good old fashion education, something we need more of these days.

[@enricocavallini7728]

The machine we see at 13:23 is something I didn't know anything about: I was believing reeds get their specific strength from some kind of specific lavoration and that's not true 😲 Thanks man, you're great! ❤

[@eddie5270]

Niiice!…Over 50 years playin’ alto sax and never seen this until now!…Nice!…”Thank You!” 👌😉👍

[@tszabon]

I still have unopened Vandoren reeds box from 1992, time when I was in learning playing sax at school. Great video btw!

[@rondashirah5750]

Thank you for this education. I had no idea. I made oboe reeds in high school and have bought and abused many sax reeds during my 82 years. One never stops learning or appreciating. Walt

[@Vodztek]

Actually one of the best sax themed videos I've seen. Before this I only knew that reeds are made of some kind of bamboo, but I really didn't expect how hard it is to make it, so thanks for teaching me something new. Btw last reeds I've bought were Vandoren 2,5 alto sax ones and they're all great. ❤🎷

[@marcuscreasy6195]

I bought a pack of 3 Rico 2.5 alto sax reeds for $8.68 USD three days ago in St. Louis, MO USA. I loved this video. I watched while doing the dishes in between practice sessions. Thanks for the great content!

[@steveheuser9659]

I play the Rigotti Gold Jazz #3. No one stocks them locally so I buy them on line. Last box, 10 out of 10 played great. Well worth the money, they last a long time when you rotate them.

[@bettersax]

Thanks for info... Rigottis are very consistent.

[@bjornmundt5801]

Good product - fair price - fair payment - clean production. belongs all together.

[@lastactionmedic5677]

I still have a vandoran tenor mouth piece and leather ligature in my spare drawer. I've watched some of your videos to include some of the student model altos. Awesome channel boss, you inspire people.

[@samjefferson8715]

I honestly don’t know what I’d do without your videos, you’ve taught me 80% of what I know about saxophone. My mouthpiece and ligature are your recommendations, and I am much more knowledgeable about my instrument. Thank you.

[@fernandoschuindt1665]

I don't even know what reeds are for, I don't even play those instruments, but yeah, I've watched, don't ask me why.

[@thefuzzman]

I'm with ya lol

[@blackwaterblades2098]

Reeds vibrate when blown on. The shape matters alot and so does materials and deminsion because it's what causes it to vibrate when air passes over. The vibrating airwaves are passed through the neck and into the body

[@lalthazovakhawlhring2985]

Me 3!!! LoL

[@praxiti3789]

Fuzzman was

[@ddlcfan8947]

Out through the horn*

[@stephenwagner2084]

I started Sax about 3 weeks ago. I'm currently in Japan though, originally from South Africa, so finding a teacher here who can explain in English has been so far impossible as I am in an outskirts area. Your videos have been super helpful in understanding more about the instrument and the background. Obviously know nothing about if they sound ok but my tuner says they work 😂, started with Rico J2's that came with my Yamaha 23, now playing Vandoren blue 3's.

[@ChipTheMusicMan]

I use Rigotti GOLD Jazz reeds on my alto and they're super - very cool to see the whole process here 👍👍

[@wisconsinmel]

Watched this again a second time. Great video! These are my favorite tenor reeds.

[@bettersax]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@chrismills5110]

Fabulous video, Jay! I have use, of late, Green, unfiled Vandorens: Of my latest five, first two are not good. Worse than filed Red Vandorens. They shriek. Are hysterical. I had never heard of Rigotti, and will now try them. Many Thanks for this

[@paulwilson3759]

Ive just picked up a box of reeds from amazon, maybe ten quid for 12, I had no idea how much effort went into making them. Love the channel by the way, its keeping me (and half the sax playing world) sane, keep it up

[@OtRatsaphong]

Thank you Jay, you’ve got me interested in learning to play the saxophone 🎷

[@michelleg2864]

This was a nice view of how reeds are made. I now have an appreciation for the process and price. If not just because I love anything French.

[@SteveDew]

I now use Legere, but the last cane reeds I bought were Rigotti Gold. I believe I still have a couple boxes. They're good as far as cane reeds go. I used them for classical setup.

[@leddygee1896]

Not a Sax player, Just a nerdy fan of music, but the content and the story of this process was fascinating... Almost the same as aging wood for Guitar bodies... Well Done!!

[@GeoffBosco]

"This field of cane-really tall grass-will be turned into reeds." Whoa! This really makes the blade of grass between your thumbs as musical instrument trick, really apropos. I never considered what reeds were made of before I watched this.

[@natebrooks7015]

looks like regular bamboo?

[@Buzzramjet]

OUTSTANDING video. I don't even play a wind instrument like sax etc, but this was FASCINATING. THAT was well worth the watch. The process does indeed justify the price of these whatever it is. Thank you for taking the time to do it.

[@LuanneFose]

Fabulous, Jay! So interesting to see the entire process of reed making (and I often buy Rigotti Gold reeds for my tenor sax). Thanks for the quality of your video work! I love the overhead drone views of the fields!

[@bettersax]

Thanks!

[@timbly5824]

I just tried a box and after playing my sax over 30 years I can honestly say I love these reeds. Consistent quality.

[@bryco32]

I Watched the entire thing..And I don't even play a instrument.

[@budgiefriend]

me too.

[@nathanharter3807]

So you don’t know the anger that is a cracked reed

[@-vlyxx5005]

@@nathanharter3807 you dont wanna know how many times my reeds crack of bullshit reasons

[@Soundwave1900]

My little brother once destroyed half of a box with reeds... And that was when I was veeeery short on money. Idk how i got hold of myself to not give him a kick. So feel the pain, folks!

[@MrHotjag]

I play trumpet

[@leanmchungry4735]

Rigotti reeds are awesome, every reed in the box works for me on both alto and tenor, Rigotti Gold 3 1/2 light for alto and 3 1/2 for tenor. It is fascinating to see that all of the reeds are cut with the same dimension, and then graded for their strength, it is the strength of the cane that varies not the thickness of the reed. I will continue to support this company that pays its workers properly and cares about quality.

[@Sirvalorsax]

WOW! Super high production value!!!

[@rik-de-Moorea]

Je suis français, j' habite Toulon à coté de Cogolin, où poussent les anches Rigotti. Je suis abonné à ta chaine depuis plusieurs mois et je suis très heureux que tu parles de la qualité de ces anches, je suis un utilisateur inconditionnel depuis de nombreuses années; elles sonnent terrible. (Je t'écris en français car sur la vidéo, j'ai entendu que tu parlais très bien notre langue). Merci pour tes vidéos So long!!!

[@michaelsloth8266]

Great video, thanks! Q: The reason why bari reeds are more than twice as expensive compared to tenor reeds is it because there are relatively few canes that have the large thickness?

[@Heider1342]

love Rigotti.. it's all i play for alto jazz.. So cool to see how they are made!

[@claypufahl6074]

Reminds me of the Mr. Rogers episode when he goes to the crayon factory to see how crayons are made! Great video!

[@mvarzoni1]

Thank you for investing your time to show us all this amazing information.

[@ablubird1451]

He finally got the bug at 3:35 that was on his shirt since 2:49

[@shortvideos2659]

thats funny lmfaooo

[@caterpillarman]

Yea that was driving me nuts.

[@lemmondroppkidd8255]

omg thank you I thought I was loosing it 😂

[@lalthazovakhawlhring2985]

Garden Fly

[@salcrocker894]

After 48 years of playing saxophone, I got a peek into a process that I had no idea about. Thank you so much for this video, very insightful and educational!!! I now have a new respect for the price of reeds and will not complain. I have gone through a number of different setups, requiring different reeds that “match” the mouthpiece. I always seem to land on Rigotti reeds in one shape form or fashion. I played Ishimori ( woodsones) for quite a while, which are rigotti cane. Now, after switching back to my old metal vintage Otto link, I am on the (new to me) Rigotti “The Blue Ones” Gold reeds and am loving them. Cheers and thanks again for a great video production!!!

[@bdcom0]

Excellent job on the video Jay. Very informative and interesting!

[@bettersax]

Thanks Brian

[@mawa1969]

This video is one of my most favourite videos of you and has brought me on the way to test them. The quality of this reeds is indeed extrem high and they sound wonderful. Despite of that i test anyway different brands: Marca, Gonzalz, Boston Sax Shop,Hemje, etc. .....

[@A.R.B.J.]

11:19 Did not expect to see a t-shirt from Knoxville , TN.

[@talyrath]

Yeah... The chili pepper kinda confused me. It's been 20 years since I lived there, but peppers or spicy food wasn't a big part of the local culture.

[@albertrodriguez7784]

This video has enlightened me so much I now take great pride in knowing how this product the sax reed is made. I have encouraged all my saxophone and clarinet ,oboe well all reed instrument players to watch this video.

[@jazzmorgan859]

You should do a Rigotti give away! Easily the best reeds on the market.

[@bettersax]

It's in the works. Will let you know.

[@jazzmorgan859]

Yikes!

[@benjaminpcthomas]

Thank you so much for this informative video.

[@thomaskipfer1008]

I always buy aged reed's. I've bought my cane reed's online from, "dealers old-new stock. Aged reed's always play their hearts out. The sound- 50 year old reed's is unbelievable. They also tend to last longer. Now I know why!

[@Pete-z6e]

Thomas Kipfer , Reeds,keep the apostrophe for another occasion.

[@Aquanite1470]

Where do you buy your aged reeds from? I'd like to test that out.

[@dus777]

I've had the opposite experience. They are so dry, it seems to take days and several sanding sessions to even get the table smooth

[@atalia96]

I am a Clarinet and Alto Sax player. I usually buy Vandoren 3 or 3.5 reeds. Thank you so much for showing this very in depth process!! I am a new subscriber, so I am learning a lot! Thank you, your channel is wonderful!!

[@stevekuhn9138]

Very interesting, fantastic presentation of a reed factory. I just picked up a small box of Rico #2.5 reeds for $6.99. I play classical guitar and it being a solo instrument, lonely. So I cracked out my old alto sax from 1974, re-padded it, now I am off to local bands (concert) for auditions. Thanks for the online info that you have, I am not great but the chops are coming back!

[@zecamoraes5115]

Thank you so much for the enlightening video, I'm a clarinet player for more than 40 years now and I didn't know how the reeds were made.

[@Mollymch]

Wow I never thought this would be the process. So interesting!

[@bettersax]

Thanks Molly

[@EvenWhyProductions]

This is so cool. Never would of thought the process took years. Gives you a whole new appreciation

[@Kikouk69]

C'est vraiment une belle vidéo ! Très intéressant de voir tout ça de près ! Merci pour ce reportage !

[@SeanFuller]

Vandoren SR7225 Tenor Sax V16 Reeds Strength 2.5. I loved seeing how reeds were made. Thanks so much for this video.

[@WCarr]

What an incredible video! I'm so cheap, I'm using the same reed I've had for 4 years! Granted, I don't play very often but still! I finally bought ONE new reed and it was 17 euros! Ouch!

[@bettersax]

What instrument has 17 euro reeds?!

[@jaxw2628]

Better Sax Bassoon.

[@arnavbatra7529]

@@bettersax and oboe

[@arnavbatra7529]

@@bettersax double reeds typically cost a lot bc each good Reed has to be hand scraped in intricate and specific locations. It cannot be done well by machine, because each piece of cane is different

[@Tobyman06]

The final product might look so simple to many people who haven’t done their research, but after watching this video, I would’ve never known the process was this deep and precise.

[@al3ss960]

I really liked the video and how you put it together, Keep up the good work :)

[@bettersax]

thanks!

[@WolfgangausMuenchen]

Marvellous video, thank you Mr. Better Sax!

[@liveshows5207]

vidéo fantastique, one of the most interesting music-related vids I've ever seen. Thanx!!

[@rahulbhatt3431]

My fav channel on KZbin. I always learn so much from Jay. Love the enthusiasm. 😊👍🏽

[@davidudall1706]

amazing video,informative,never heard of these reeds,sure they are good

[@PatrickWillcox]

I played trombone in high school 25 years ago and haven’t played since. I never played a sax, and still find your videos intriguing. French, farming, manufacturing, drone footage, and of course music. Great video!

[@palewriter1856]

How expensive are trombone reeds, one wonders???

[@trevorhogg]

This makes it even crazier that I had an unstamped reed in my last box!

[@Woolley_like_sheep]

Trevor Hogg perhaps the printer ran out of ink? And they somehow missed it on inspection

[@deanworsley2244]

Excellent video, thanks for doing these. My last reed purchase was Rico 2.5s for my Bari and Vandoren 2.5s for my Tenor. Overall I was pretty happy with the whole box of each, until I discovered your video on repairing or recovering 'unusable' reeds, and then I went through the procedure you showed to get the "okay" reeds to actually really awesome sounding ones. I guess that's a thumbs up for two videos in one comments. Keep 'em coming mate, I'm getting a lot out of them :)

[@kmvenezia4337]

I've always played on Rigotti and probably always will. I do find like vintages of wine, reed quality does change. Perhaps it is the cane is harvested. perhaps some years better than others. I really don't know. As a result, I buy my different reed types all at the same time until I find a good batch, then I order more . It's hit and miss but he usually pays off and then I am well supplied

[@charlieduransax]

These are the best reeds ever! Been on these for many years now!

[@ncjazz]

I would have taken a box of the throwbacks home! 😉

[@charlieduransax]

Nick Cedillo 😁

[@lenynigro7026]

Best one yet I’ve been using rigotti reeds for about 4 years now thx for what u do Leny

[@douglasb3902]

I've played saxophone(s) for over 55 years and found this video both enlightening and entertaining. Well done! I use reeds from a company they sell to (could tell by the packaging) and find them to be long lasting and consistent.

[@marks.6656]

The side/rail trimming process was amazeballs!

[@karrotcake6187]

3:19 There is a bug crawling on the dude’s shirt.

[@jacob1931]

Karrot Cake ok?

[@sivansharma5027]

No, there's a dude crawling under the bug's shirt!

[@poulx]

Everybody and everything needs to be somewhere everywhere. It's perfectly normal. Maybe not common, but normal? Yes.

[@theanalogkid_4588]

you ever seen raiders of the lost ark?

[@schebbeichun]

I've followed you for quite a bit. This video has been by far the most interesting one for me. I've played Rigotti reeds for almost 3 years and love them. Thank you for the effort you put into the channel.

[@BarnacleBrown]

14:11 I've never heard the phrase "Didn't make the cut," used quite so well.

[@davekana8388]

I play, used to be Rico Jazz Select 3M unfiled alto and tenor 3S for soprano, very consistent all the reads play right out of the box. I put butcher block oil on them before playing, the reads last me a long time using this method. I just play and leave them on the rubber mouthpiece and put them in a sealed plastic bag, never allowing them to dry out. I’ve been using this method for 20 years with great consistent success! Enjoyed your video, thanks, Dave!